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Showing posts with label Borno state. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Borno state. Show all posts

EFCC Arrests Four Suspected Fraudsters in Maiduguri

EFCC Arrests Four Suspected Fraudsters in Maiduguri


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 8, 2024 arrested four suspects for sending fake transaction credit alerts to their victims.


They were arrested within Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, following intelligence on their fraudulent acts.


Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were operating using a Business App of a bank to purchase food and non- food items as well as collecting money from Point of Sale agents POS cashiers and sending fake transaction credits to them.


They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 


Source: EFCC 


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 8, 2024 arrested four suspects for sending fake transaction credit alerts to their victims.


They were arrested within Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, following intelligence on their fraudulent acts.


Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were operating using a Business App of a bank to purchase food and non- food items as well as collecting money from Point of Sale agents POS cashiers and sending fake transaction credits to them.


They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 


Source: EFCC 

Two Arraigned for Land Scam in Borno

Two Arraigned for Land Scam in Borno




The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 arraigned the duo of Abor Gambomi and Abdulmumini Ali before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri on a one count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining N420, 000.00 (Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) by false pretence.






The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 arraigned the duo of Abor Gambomi and Abdulmumini Ali before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri on a one count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining N420, 000.00 (Four Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) by false pretence.



EFCC Presents Three Witnesses in Alleged N93.8m Contract Fraud Trial

EFCC Presents Three Witnesses in Alleged N93.8m Contract Fraud Trial







The trial of an alleged N93, 800, 000.00 (Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) fraud case involving one Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri commenced before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presented three witnesses.

The Maiduguri Zonal Command arraigned the defendant on August 10, 2021 on a one-count charge.

The defendant was alleged to have fraudulently obtained the sum on the pretext of supplying non-food items to "Save The Children", a Non-Governmental Organization.

The charge reads: “That you, Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri, sometime in February 2021, at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained the gross sum of N93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Shettima Mohammed through Karlton International Company’s account number 1023671556 domiciled at UBA and Amir Goni Abdullahi’s Fidelity Bank account number 6012182416 via your account number 0141428771 domiciled at GT Bank and Fidelity Bank account number 6323579712 respectively, all bearing Muhammad Suleiman under the guise that the said sum represent payment for the supply of Non-food items to Save the Children, an NGO, and which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 3 of the same Act."

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, first prosecution witness, Peterclaver O. Okwor, an operative of the EFCC, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, told the court that the defendant requested for the sum of N93.8million from the petitioner in order to execute a contract for the supply of non-food items which he claimed to have secured from ‘Save the Children’ an NGO, with the agreement that the money would be paid back and proceeds from the contract shared by both parties.

In his words, ‘‘the complainant transferred the sum in tranches to the defendant’s accounts domiciled in Fidelity and Guaranty Trust Banks respectively totaling the sum of N93.8million.

“Letters of investigation activities’ were written to the banks and responses were provided to the EFCC. Analyses of the responses received from the bank, confirmed that the sum of N93.8million was paid into the accounts of the defendant by the complainant.’’

Okwor revealed that the defendant confessed in his written statements with the EFCC to have collected the above mentioned sum through his accounts in order to finance the purported contract.

PW2, Maina Muhammad, a staff of Fidelity Bank who was also led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed told the court that the account opening balance of the defendant as at 24th February, 2021 was N14, 122.87 (Fourteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Eighty-Seven kobo), ''but shortly after that day, the sum N40million was transferred into the account of the defendant in tranches by one Ali Shettima Mohammed and the defendant transferred same in tranches to some beneficiaries with a closing balance of N2, 500.57 (Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira, Fifty-Seven kobo).''

PW3, Usman Bala, a Marketing Officer with the Guaranty Trust Bank told the court that, “there was an inflow into the account of Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri in tranches from the nominal complainant which was well over N50million and the mentioned sum was dissipated by the defendant.’’

The petition written against the defendant and statements of the defendant were tendered and admitted in evidence, while the documents from Fidelity and Guaranty Trust Banks were admitted as exhibits C and D respectively.

Justice Fadawu thereafter adjourned the matter to September 20, 2021 for continuation of trial.

BY EFCC






The trial of an alleged N93, 800, 000.00 (Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) fraud case involving one Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri commenced before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presented three witnesses.

The Maiduguri Zonal Command arraigned the defendant on August 10, 2021 on a one-count charge.

The defendant was alleged to have fraudulently obtained the sum on the pretext of supplying non-food items to "Save The Children", a Non-Governmental Organization.

The charge reads: “That you, Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri, sometime in February 2021, at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained the gross sum of N93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Shettima Mohammed through Karlton International Company’s account number 1023671556 domiciled at UBA and Amir Goni Abdullahi’s Fidelity Bank account number 6012182416 via your account number 0141428771 domiciled at GT Bank and Fidelity Bank account number 6323579712 respectively, all bearing Muhammad Suleiman under the guise that the said sum represent payment for the supply of Non-food items to Save the Children, an NGO, and which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 3 of the same Act."

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, first prosecution witness, Peterclaver O. Okwor, an operative of the EFCC, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, told the court that the defendant requested for the sum of N93.8million from the petitioner in order to execute a contract for the supply of non-food items which he claimed to have secured from ‘Save the Children’ an NGO, with the agreement that the money would be paid back and proceeds from the contract shared by both parties.

In his words, ‘‘the complainant transferred the sum in tranches to the defendant’s accounts domiciled in Fidelity and Guaranty Trust Banks respectively totaling the sum of N93.8million.

“Letters of investigation activities’ were written to the banks and responses were provided to the EFCC. Analyses of the responses received from the bank, confirmed that the sum of N93.8million was paid into the accounts of the defendant by the complainant.’’

Okwor revealed that the defendant confessed in his written statements with the EFCC to have collected the above mentioned sum through his accounts in order to finance the purported contract.

PW2, Maina Muhammad, a staff of Fidelity Bank who was also led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed told the court that the account opening balance of the defendant as at 24th February, 2021 was N14, 122.87 (Fourteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Eighty-Seven kobo), ''but shortly after that day, the sum N40million was transferred into the account of the defendant in tranches by one Ali Shettima Mohammed and the defendant transferred same in tranches to some beneficiaries with a closing balance of N2, 500.57 (Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira, Fifty-Seven kobo).''

PW3, Usman Bala, a Marketing Officer with the Guaranty Trust Bank told the court that, “there was an inflow into the account of Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri in tranches from the nominal complainant which was well over N50million and the mentioned sum was dissipated by the defendant.’’

The petition written against the defendant and statements of the defendant were tendered and admitted in evidence, while the documents from Fidelity and Guaranty Trust Banks were admitted as exhibits C and D respectively.

Justice Fadawu thereafter adjourned the matter to September 20, 2021 for continuation of trial.

BY EFCC

EFCC Docks Man in Maiduguri for Converting Land Document

EFCC Docks Man in Maiduguri for Converting Land Document










The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 arraigned one David Osigbe Irumekhai before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on one count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust.

The defendant allegedly used the original title documents of a property kept in his custody for safe keeping to secure a loan of N2, 300, 000.00 (Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

The count read: “That you David Osigbe Irumekhai sometime in February, 2021 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court being entrusted with original title document in respect of Plot No. 86 BOTP/99 Fika Close on Damboa Road, Comm/ Res Layout area of 1800sq.m by Tosin Joseph Todo for safe keeping converted the title document to your personal use in violation of the mode in which such trust is to be discharged and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 Penal Code Law Cap 102, Laws of Borno State 1994 and punishable under section 312 of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the one count charge.

Upon his plea, prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed asked the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in the correctional facility pending the outcome of the case.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned the matter till September 22, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Correctional Centre.


By EFCC









The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 arraigned one David Osigbe Irumekhai before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on one count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust.

The defendant allegedly used the original title documents of a property kept in his custody for safe keeping to secure a loan of N2, 300, 000.00 (Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

The count read: “That you David Osigbe Irumekhai sometime in February, 2021 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court being entrusted with original title document in respect of Plot No. 86 BOTP/99 Fika Close on Damboa Road, Comm/ Res Layout area of 1800sq.m by Tosin Joseph Todo for safe keeping converted the title document to your personal use in violation of the mode in which such trust is to be discharged and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 Penal Code Law Cap 102, Laws of Borno State 1994 and punishable under section 312 of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the one count charge.

Upon his plea, prosecution counsel, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed asked the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in the correctional facility pending the outcome of the case.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned the matter till September 22, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Correctional Centre.


By EFCC

Bureau de Change Operator Docked for N43.3m Fraud in it Maiduguri

Bureau de Change Operator Docked for N43.3m Fraud in it Maiduguri












The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 arraigned one Bukar Mohammed before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N43, 328, 000.00 (Forty-Three Million, Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Naira).

The defendant allegedly converted the money entrusted in his custody for safe keeping to his own personal use.

The charge reads: ‘‘That you, Bukar Mohammed sometime in 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently induced one Alhaji Ali Mohammed to deliver to you monies in Euros and Naira to the equivalent sum of Forty Three Million, Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Naira (N43, 328, 000.00) only, under the false pretence of collecting same for safe keeping which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(1)(b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.’’

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.

Prosecution counsel, Fatsuma Muhammed asked the court to remand the defendant in prison custody and fix a date for trial to commence.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned the matter till September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the defendant remanded in the correctional facility.











The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 arraigned one Bukar Mohammed before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N43, 328, 000.00 (Forty-Three Million, Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Naira).

The defendant allegedly converted the money entrusted in his custody for safe keeping to his own personal use.

The charge reads: ‘‘That you, Bukar Mohammed sometime in 2018 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently induced one Alhaji Ali Mohammed to deliver to you monies in Euros and Naira to the equivalent sum of Forty Three Million, Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Naira (N43, 328, 000.00) only, under the false pretence of collecting same for safe keeping which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(1)(b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.’’

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge.

Prosecution counsel, Fatsuma Muhammed asked the court to remand the defendant in prison custody and fix a date for trial to commence.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned the matter till September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the defendant remanded in the correctional facility.

Get-Rich-Quick Scheme Land Two in EFCC’s Net in Maiduguri

Get-Rich-Quick Scheme Land Two in EFCC’s Net in Maiduguri


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Mallam Ayu Sugum, for allegedly inducing one Abubakar Mustapha Bakura to steal N2.9million (Two Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) from his employer under the guise of carrying out a spiritual exercise to make him rich.

He was arrested in a house situated at Pompomari Bypass, Maiduguri, Borno State after his name came up in the course of investigating a petition from Bakura’s employer. Bakura was the one who, under interrogation, mentioned Sugum as the beneficiary of the monies he stole from his employer.


Upon his arrest on July 8, 2021, Bakura admitted stealing from his boss. He added that the stolen money was collected from him by Ayu Sugum, who promised to make him rich within two weeks.

Abubakar claimed he was given a handkerchief and a concoction to drink and each time he took the liquid, ‘‘he loses his memory for days’’ and subsequently went to steal money from his boss for the spiritualist.

Upon his arrest and interrogation, Sugum confessed giving Abubakar a handkerchief and concoction to drink but claimed the money he received from Bakura was not up to N2.9million.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.


Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Mallam Ayu Sugum, for allegedly inducing one Abubakar Mustapha Bakura to steal N2.9million (Two Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) from his employer under the guise of carrying out a spiritual exercise to make him rich.

He was arrested in a house situated at Pompomari Bypass, Maiduguri, Borno State after his name came up in the course of investigating a petition from Bakura’s employer. Bakura was the one who, under interrogation, mentioned Sugum as the beneficiary of the monies he stole from his employer.


Upon his arrest on July 8, 2021, Bakura admitted stealing from his boss. He added that the stolen money was collected from him by Ayu Sugum, who promised to make him rich within two weeks.

Abubakar claimed he was given a handkerchief and a concoction to drink and each time he took the liquid, ‘‘he loses his memory for days’’ and subsequently went to steal money from his boss for the spiritualist.

Upon his arrest and interrogation, Sugum confessed giving Abubakar a handkerchief and concoction to drink but claimed the money he received from Bakura was not up to N2.9million.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

EFCC Charges International NGOs to Declare Cash Meant for IDPs

EFCC Charges International NGOs to Declare Cash Meant for IDPs


The Maiduguri Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Onwukwe C. Obiora on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 called on both International and local Non-Governmental Organizations in Yobe and Borno States to present ‘‘Cash Notification Forms’’ to the Maiduguri Command for vetting and approval before disbursing funds to ‘Internally Displaced Persons’. The measure, he explained, is to reduce the risk of sabotage and use of NGOs by money launderers and financiers of terrorism in the Northeast.

Obiora who spoke while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Cash Working Group and International NGO Forum in his office, commended the Forum for their deliberate efforts to cater for the IDPs in the face of insurgency. He stressed the need for a robust synergy with the EFCC to combat the menace of money laundering, terrorism financing, among other financial crimes in the Northeast and the country at large.

‘‘I want to thank you for your services to the IDPs who are needy and vulnerable… but we must be mindful of the fact that all cash movements by INGOs and NGOs must be declared to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC for verification and monitoring, and we must collaborate so that the funds will not get into the hands of wrong persons during disbursement’’, he said.

The Deputy Coordinator of the Forum, Yasmine Chawaf expressed her delight and lauded the Commission for the cooperation received so far in the distribution of the cash and palliatives to the IDPs in both Yobe and Borno State.

‘‘The EFCC has been of great assistance and we are happy working with the Commission. The Maiduguri Zonal Commander has ensured strict monitoring of cash meant for IDPs through the SCUML and the committee inaugurated, even to the point of distribution in the deep field areas that are hotbeds of insurgency activities, so that the monies get to the right persons. These measures taken by the EFCC have given the Forum absolute confidence to increase our aid flows in the Northeast’’, she said.

Cash Notification Form is a form that reflects the monetary activities and indication of areas where Aid flows provided by INGOs and NGOs are to be disbursed.

International Non-Governmental Organizations present at the meeting were the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ZOA Foundation and Mercy Corps.

By EFCC

The Maiduguri Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Onwukwe C. Obiora on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 called on both International and local Non-Governmental Organizations in Yobe and Borno States to present ‘‘Cash Notification Forms’’ to the Maiduguri Command for vetting and approval before disbursing funds to ‘Internally Displaced Persons’. The measure, he explained, is to reduce the risk of sabotage and use of NGOs by money launderers and financiers of terrorism in the Northeast.

Obiora who spoke while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Cash Working Group and International NGO Forum in his office, commended the Forum for their deliberate efforts to cater for the IDPs in the face of insurgency. He stressed the need for a robust synergy with the EFCC to combat the menace of money laundering, terrorism financing, among other financial crimes in the Northeast and the country at large.

‘‘I want to thank you for your services to the IDPs who are needy and vulnerable… but we must be mindful of the fact that all cash movements by INGOs and NGOs must be declared to the Maiduguri Command of the EFCC for verification and monitoring, and we must collaborate so that the funds will not get into the hands of wrong persons during disbursement’’, he said.

The Deputy Coordinator of the Forum, Yasmine Chawaf expressed her delight and lauded the Commission for the cooperation received so far in the distribution of the cash and palliatives to the IDPs in both Yobe and Borno State.

‘‘The EFCC has been of great assistance and we are happy working with the Commission. The Maiduguri Zonal Commander has ensured strict monitoring of cash meant for IDPs through the SCUML and the committee inaugurated, even to the point of distribution in the deep field areas that are hotbeds of insurgency activities, so that the monies get to the right persons. These measures taken by the EFCC have given the Forum absolute confidence to increase our aid flows in the Northeast’’, she said.

Cash Notification Form is a form that reflects the monetary activities and indication of areas where Aid flows provided by INGOs and NGOs are to be disbursed.

International Non-Governmental Organizations present at the meeting were the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ZOA Foundation and Mercy Corps.

By EFCC

EFCC Arraigns Serial Fraudster, Al-Ameen Idris, One Other for N10.7m Fraud

EFCC Arraigns Serial Fraudster, Al-Ameen Idris, One Other for N10.7m Fraud

…Another for N3.9m Fraud in Maiduguri


The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 13, 2021 arraigned a serial fraudster, Al-Ameen Idris and one Zanna Malla before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a-two count charge for obtaining N10, 750,000.00 (Ten Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

The duo, between 11th August and 13th September 2020, obtained the sum from one Alhaji Bukar Kime under the pretext of selling to him a purported plot of land measuring 50×50ft laying and situate at Pompomari Residential layout, Maiduguri which did not belong to them.

The offence is contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act."

They pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge preferred against them.

Prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir asked the court for a trial date and to remand the defendants in a Correctional Facility.

Defence counsel, A. B Usman applied orally for the bail of his clients which was opposed by the prosecution and subsequently refused by the court.

Justice Kumaliya told the defence to apply formally for bail.

She adjourned the matter till September 23, 2021 for hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centre.

In a related development, one Alhaji Garba Mohammed was on August 13, 2021 arraigned before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a one-count charge for misappropriating N3,922,000.00 (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Naira).

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap 102 Vol. 3 of 1994


The defendant allegedly approached the nominal complainant and informed him that a contract for the supply of 450 bags of maize was awarded to him by the World Food Programme, and he needed money to finance the contract.

The complainant gave the sum needed to execute the contract to the defendant with the understanding that, both the capital invested and the interest will be returned within forty five days. But the defendant reneged the agreement.

The charge reads: “That you, Alhaji Garba Mohammed sometime in the year 2020 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: 450 bags of maize worth N3,922,000.00 (Three Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Naira) only supplied to you by one Saleh Abubakar for onward supply to World Food Programme (an NGO) and to remit the entire proceeds to the said Saleh Abubuakar, did dishonestly misappropriated the entire proceeds being the value of the said 450 bags of maize and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap 102 Vol. 3 of 1994 respectively.”

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to him.

Counsel for the prosecution, Haruna Abdulkadir asked for a trial date to present his witnesses and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Justice Fadawu adjourned the matter till September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered for the remand of the defendant at the Maiduguri Medium Custodial Centre.


Source: EFCC

…Another for N3.9m Fraud in Maiduguri


The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 13, 2021 arraigned a serial fraudster, Al-Ameen Idris and one Zanna Malla before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a-two count charge for obtaining N10, 750,000.00 (Ten Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

The duo, between 11th August and 13th September 2020, obtained the sum from one Alhaji Bukar Kime under the pretext of selling to him a purported plot of land measuring 50×50ft laying and situate at Pompomari Residential layout, Maiduguri which did not belong to them.

The offence is contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act."

They pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge preferred against them.

Prosecution counsel, Haruna Abdulkadir asked the court for a trial date and to remand the defendants in a Correctional Facility.

Defence counsel, A. B Usman applied orally for the bail of his clients which was opposed by the prosecution and subsequently refused by the court.

Justice Kumaliya told the defence to apply formally for bail.

She adjourned the matter till September 23, 2021 for hearing and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Correctional Centre.

In a related development, one Alhaji Garba Mohammed was on August 13, 2021 arraigned before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a one-count charge for misappropriating N3,922,000.00 (Three Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Naira).

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap 102 Vol. 3 of 1994


The defendant allegedly approached the nominal complainant and informed him that a contract for the supply of 450 bags of maize was awarded to him by the World Food Programme, and he needed money to finance the contract.

The complainant gave the sum needed to execute the contract to the defendant with the understanding that, both the capital invested and the interest will be returned within forty five days. But the defendant reneged the agreement.

The charge reads: “That you, Alhaji Garba Mohammed sometime in the year 2020 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: 450 bags of maize worth N3,922,000.00 (Three Million Nine Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Naira) only supplied to you by one Saleh Abubakar for onward supply to World Food Programme (an NGO) and to remit the entire proceeds to the said Saleh Abubuakar, did dishonestly misappropriated the entire proceeds being the value of the said 450 bags of maize and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State Cap 102 Vol. 3 of 1994 respectively.”

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to him.

Counsel for the prosecution, Haruna Abdulkadir asked for a trial date to present his witnesses and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Justice Fadawu adjourned the matter till September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered for the remand of the defendant at the Maiduguri Medium Custodial Centre.


Source: EFCC

EFCC: Two Arraigned for N115.7m Contract Scam in Maiduguri

EFCC: Two Arraigned for N115.7m Contract Scam in Maiduguri


The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, August 10, 2021 arraigned one Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri for alleged N93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) fraud.

The defendant allegedly obtained the sum fraudulently from one Shettima Mohammed on the pretext of supplying non-food items to "Save The Children", a Non-Governmental Organisation.

The one count charge reads: “That you, Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri, sometimes in February, 2021 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained the gross sum of N 93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Shettima Mohammed through Karlton International Company’s account number 1023671556 domiciled at UBA and Amir Goni Abdullahi’s Fidelity Bank account number 6012182416 via your account number 0141428771 domiciled at GT Bank and Fidelity Bank account number 6323579712 respectively, all bearing Muhammad Suleiman under the guise that the said sum represent payment for the supply of Non-Food items to Save the Children, an NGO, and which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 3 of the same Act."

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to him.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed prayed for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the Correctional Centre.

Justice Fadawu adjourned the case until September 15, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the remand of the defendant at the Maiduguri Medium Correctional Facility.

In a related development, One David Osigbe Irumekhe was arraigned on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a-three count amended charge of criminal conspiracy and obtaining N 21,900,000.00 (Twenty One Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

The defendant fraudulently collected the money under the guise of executing a purported contract awarded to Sky Source Global Concept by three NGOs: Terres Des Hummes, Medicin Du Monde and Danish Refugee Council.

Count one reads: “That you, David Osigbe Irumekhe, whilst being the Chief Executive Officer of Sky Source Global Concepts, sometimes between October and December 2020 at Maiduguri within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained N 21, 900,000.00 (twenty one Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) from Annie Adam under the false pretence of executing a purported contract awarded to Sky Source Global Concept by Terres Des Hummes, Medicin Du Monde and Danish Refugee Council all NGOs which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned to September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the remand of the defendant in the Correctional Facility.

The Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today, August 10, 2021 arraigned one Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri for alleged N93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) fraud.

The defendant allegedly obtained the sum fraudulently from one Shettima Mohammed on the pretext of supplying non-food items to "Save The Children", a Non-Governmental Organisation.

The one count charge reads: “That you, Muhammad Suleiman Gumsuri, sometimes in February, 2021 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained the gross sum of N 93, 800,000.00 (Ninety Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Shettima Mohammed through Karlton International Company’s account number 1023671556 domiciled at UBA and Amir Goni Abdullahi’s Fidelity Bank account number 6012182416 via your account number 0141428771 domiciled at GT Bank and Fidelity Bank account number 6323579712 respectively, all bearing Muhammad Suleiman under the guise that the said sum represent payment for the supply of Non-Food items to Save the Children, an NGO, and which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 3 of the same Act."

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to him.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mukhtar Ali Ahmed prayed for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the Correctional Centre.

Justice Fadawu adjourned the case until September 15, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the remand of the defendant at the Maiduguri Medium Correctional Facility.

In a related development, One David Osigbe Irumekhe was arraigned on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on a-three count amended charge of criminal conspiracy and obtaining N 21,900,000.00 (Twenty One Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) by false pretence.

The defendant fraudulently collected the money under the guise of executing a purported contract awarded to Sky Source Global Concept by three NGOs: Terres Des Hummes, Medicin Du Monde and Danish Refugee Council.

Count one reads: “That you, David Osigbe Irumekhe, whilst being the Chief Executive Officer of Sky Source Global Concepts, sometimes between October and December 2020 at Maiduguri within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtained N 21, 900,000.00 (twenty one Million Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) from Annie Adam under the false pretence of executing a purported contract awarded to Sky Source Global Concept by Terres Des Hummes, Medicin Du Monde and Danish Refugee Council all NGOs which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges.

Justice Kumaliya adjourned to September 14, 2021 for commencement of trial and ordered the remand of the defendant in the Correctional Facility.

ONE KIDNAPPING TOO MANY! - OKEGBOLA

ONE KIDNAPPING TOO MANY! - OKEGBOLA


Let me first express my joy for the return of the students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina state, alive and in one piece. These boys were kidnapped exactly a week ago from their boarding school. After a headcount, and the back and forth on the actual number of students missing, about 333 were finally confirmed by the Governor of Katsina state, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. On return, 344 was mentioned. Garba Shehu has apologised for giving such a ridiculous number as 10.


The incident happened some hours after the arrival of the president in Katsina state, who is on one-week private visit to his home town, Daura, in the same state. Many saw the incident as an afront to the president, who is the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief Security Officer of the country, whose first constitutional responsibility is to protect the lives and properties of the citizens. Those who did that must have done so for strategic reason to make the president look bad. And they succeeded.


For the past one week, all kinds of verbal "missiles" have been thrown at the president and his administration. Series of events were organised to show the anger of Nigerians against his handling of the security matters in the country as a whole, and particularly in the north, which has been more at the receiving end. But, can the critics be blamed? No, ofcourse. Only an insensitive, inhumane and irresponsible person will be nonchalant about all that's going on in the country now.


Against my resolve some months ago, I found myself writing about the challenges of insecurities in Nigeria, and in the north specifically, in the past three weeks. The situation is akin to what the Yorubas will call; "egbinrin ote, bi a se n pakan, nikan nu ruwe" (the shoot of conspiracy, as we nip one, another sprouts). I am overwhelmed by the shear magnitude, frequency and the brutality of the attacks these days. Many lives have been lost to them.


The events of the past week overshadowed and dented the 78th birthday celebration of our President Muhammadu Buhari. The day was 17th of December. There was no chance for merriment given the circumstances we are in. I am using this opportunity to wish him happy birthday. Long life in good health (he already has prosperity, no need disturbing God about that again). Such occasion should be used to reflect on his life, living and the legacy he would like to leave behind after his tenure and after his sojourn on the mother earth.


The situation at this time didn't permit me to write about him personally, something I did in the past three years on every Saturday that followed his birthday. I usually used the opportunity of that day to x-ray few things about him, his personality, his government and performances. But today, the situation is sobering.


As at today, it is now 2441 days that Chibok girls were abducted from their hostel on April 14, 2014 in Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, while preparing to write their WAEC in May/June 2014. Nigeria was never the same again. This was during the previous administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. When it happened, it was unbelievable to the extent that the FG denied it happened. This unfortunately slowed down immediate response to rescue them until they have gone far and it was too late. It was novel to us in Nigeria at the time.


The back and forth of that time was nauseating. The blame game, accusations and counter-accusations that followed made a mess of the whole incident. The various accusations of politicisation of it, the misinformation, sabotage, conspiracy, the many unanswered questions till date, the many issues that were shrouded in secrecy, and so on. The girls were the people who suffered for all of that. The government mishandled it.


So, one could imagine the fear and agony when the news of another mass kidnapping broke last Saturday. It was devastating. And to say we were still recovering from the massacre of 43 farmers in Zabambari, who were slaughtered by boko haram. That was shattering.


On Thursday afternoon, I was quick to spread the "good news" of the release of the boys immediately I got that from my publisher, one I always trust and rely on his sources and news. I was overexcited, knowing what evil must have passed over the boys if the news were to be true. Unfortunately, my celebration was cut short will another news of rebuttal by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, from whose Twitter handle many got the news also. She claimed her account was hacked. I had to forward that rebuttal as well to all the platforms I earlier shared the "good news". My heart was broken into pieces.


As if that was not enough, many of my friends on social media who saw my first post were very quick to criticise me for spreading "fake news" even if it was good. That actually came from our history. Many of them, as I often wrote in the past, are either APC members, "Buharists" (loyalists and supporters of President Buhari) or those who have sympathy for him and the current administration. So, it was an opportunity to hit back at me as they have always seen me as an "enemy" because of my critical analysis of this administration's performances in the past few years.


I took responsibility for my post with the explanation that fell more on deaf ears. However, as God would have it, the news turned out to be true. My joy was double bound. After confirmation the second time, I had to wait for more visual evidences before posting again. And as a believer in God, I "forgave" my earlier transducers who also tried to justify their actions against me (lol). "Ti a o ba gbagbe oro ana, a o ni reni ba sere (it's in forgiveness that relationships blossom).


All that were really inconsequential to me. The joy that the boys were back overshadowed any misgivings. This is one thing I commend the government under the leadership of President Buhari for and all the efforts put in it by the Katsina state governor. They did very well. Those six days were traumatising to the parents of these kids. I knew because I followed the incident keenly. Katsina was under my jurisdiction while I worked in the north for about 10 years.


I know the Kankara village. I passed there on my way from and to Kano, Dutsinma, Funtua, etc. countless times. I hope people can now understand my attachment. Katsina was naturally a relatively more peaceful state in the north, even at the height of the boko haram attacks. How it became such a hot bed of criminals still baffles me. I don't want to join in different conspiratorial analysis that followed the abduction and release. I am simply happy that the kids are back.


This is similar to what happened in Dapchi nearly three years ago. Abduction and latter released soon after. That still has its scar on us all as one girl, Leah Sharibu is still in captivity, just like over 100 Chibok girls who have not been released till date, in spite of all the government's efforts. It’s true that one of the waves that President Buhari and APC rode to power was that of Chibok girls and general insecurities.


In 2014, #BringBackOurGirls went viral. It became a global movement, triggered by a group with the same name in Nigeria. They were nightmare to Jonathan and his government. The conveners were Dr. Oby Ezekwezili, Ayesha Yesufu and some others. Some people in the present administration were part of the movement. The people in power today, took advantage of the potency of that movement to damage (literally) Jonathan and his government. He was denigrated, called all kinds of names. People were sold their alternative, which included securing the nation, ending boko haram and bringing back all the Chibok girls in record time. But here we are. The chickens have come home to roost.


Not only that boko haram has not been defeated and that many Chibok girls are still in captivity, the general security across the country has collapsed, unlike in the past when boko haram was the biggest security challenge. Now, roads have become death traps as they have been taken over by kidnappers. Farms are killing fields as they have been colonised by bandits. Many communities have become ghost towns since people ran away and abandoned their ancestral homes for fear of being killed. "Iku t'onpa ojugba eni, owe lo npa fun ni" (to be forewarned, is to be foreharmed).


Nowhere is safe now. Nobody feels safe. But, we cannot give up on our country. Emir of Kaura Namoda of Zamfara state escaped by the whimsical on Thursday night, from being killed on Zaira-Funtua road. Eight others in his entourage were not that lucky. They were killed by bandits who attacked their convoy. Another Emir was kidnapped from inside the mosque in Kogi while he went for morning prayer yesterday.


What is really going on? The situation has become hydra-headed. For years, there have been calls for the rejigging of the national security architecture and breathing of fresh air into the leadership of security agencies, but all that fell on deaf ears. The president has the prerogative of appointing and sacking them but he didn't do anything. May be he knows what the rest of Nigerians don't know, because, even the national assembly's call was never heeded.


Then, one wonders who benefits from these insecurities when events that happened this week is considered. On Monday, the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) organised a meeting in Arewa House, Kaduna, to discuss the problem of the insecurities in the north, a welcome development. But what happened? There was an invasion of the venue by arms-bearing thugs and hoodlooms who attacked them, scattered the gathering, broke cars and other facilities, many invitees and dignitaries scampered for safety. Many were wounded. Who sponsored them? What was the motive? How does one explain an attack by "potential" victims of insecurities on the people who tried to profer solutions to their problems? What's really going on?


Why has the federal government not been able to nab the financiers and sponsors of the terrorists and bandits all these years despite having the helicopter view of financial transactions and movements of funds through the CBN and other regulatory agencies? Afterall, it took the CBN only few days to track those accused of financing the #EndSARS peaceful protesters and froze their accounts. Or is it a matter of interests and priorities?


In similar scenario, it took the government of UAE to identify and arrest some sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria. Before, during and after, we did not hear any action from the government of Nigeria, CBN or other agencies. These are concerns among many. How do we move forward from here?


What I believe is missing in all of this is sincerity of purpose. The people saddled with the responsibilities of protecting lives and properties are not completely sincere in their handling of the issue. This is why there are always accusations and allegations of complicity in crimes, corruption in security funding and rebuilding efforts. IDP relief materials were stolen. The insecurity has become a striving industry for many involved.


For the umpteenth time, there is need for sincerity of purpose. The security architecture should be rejig. There should be deployment of technology to enhance the functionality of the security agents. The training of the agents in modern ways of policing and securing the country should be a continous exercise. They should also be provided with modern equipment, arms and amunitions. More personnel should be recruited into different security agencies.


Unfortunately, these measures may still have limitations as to their effectiveness as long as we continue to operate this dysfunctional system of government as we have in the country. Nigeria should be restructured. The much advocated state police, local police and community policing will be consequential dividends of a properly restructured country. We cannot be doing the same thing over and over, but expect different results. That’s insanity. When are we going to be "sane" and do the right things?


In all, all glory be to God for the safe return of the Kankara boys. We urge the government to put similarly intense efforts at rescuing other citizens in captivity of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, including Leah Sharibu, Chibok girls, and the rest.


May God continue to protect us.


God Bless Nigeria.


[email protected]



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Let me first express my joy for the return of the students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina state, alive and in one piece. These boys were kidnapped exactly a week ago from their boarding school. After a headcount, and the back and forth on the actual number of students missing, about 333 were finally confirmed by the Governor of Katsina state, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. On return, 344 was mentioned. Garba Shehu has apologised for giving such a ridiculous number as 10.


The incident happened some hours after the arrival of the president in Katsina state, who is on one-week private visit to his home town, Daura, in the same state. Many saw the incident as an afront to the president, who is the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief Security Officer of the country, whose first constitutional responsibility is to protect the lives and properties of the citizens. Those who did that must have done so for strategic reason to make the president look bad. And they succeeded.


For the past one week, all kinds of verbal "missiles" have been thrown at the president and his administration. Series of events were organised to show the anger of Nigerians against his handling of the security matters in the country as a whole, and particularly in the north, which has been more at the receiving end. But, can the critics be blamed? No, ofcourse. Only an insensitive, inhumane and irresponsible person will be nonchalant about all that's going on in the country now.


Against my resolve some months ago, I found myself writing about the challenges of insecurities in Nigeria, and in the north specifically, in the past three weeks. The situation is akin to what the Yorubas will call; "egbinrin ote, bi a se n pakan, nikan nu ruwe" (the shoot of conspiracy, as we nip one, another sprouts). I am overwhelmed by the shear magnitude, frequency and the brutality of the attacks these days. Many lives have been lost to them.


The events of the past week overshadowed and dented the 78th birthday celebration of our President Muhammadu Buhari. The day was 17th of December. There was no chance for merriment given the circumstances we are in. I am using this opportunity to wish him happy birthday. Long life in good health (he already has prosperity, no need disturbing God about that again). Such occasion should be used to reflect on his life, living and the legacy he would like to leave behind after his tenure and after his sojourn on the mother earth.


The situation at this time didn't permit me to write about him personally, something I did in the past three years on every Saturday that followed his birthday. I usually used the opportunity of that day to x-ray few things about him, his personality, his government and performances. But today, the situation is sobering.


As at today, it is now 2441 days that Chibok girls were abducted from their hostel on April 14, 2014 in Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, while preparing to write their WAEC in May/June 2014. Nigeria was never the same again. This was during the previous administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. When it happened, it was unbelievable to the extent that the FG denied it happened. This unfortunately slowed down immediate response to rescue them until they have gone far and it was too late. It was novel to us in Nigeria at the time.


The back and forth of that time was nauseating. The blame game, accusations and counter-accusations that followed made a mess of the whole incident. The various accusations of politicisation of it, the misinformation, sabotage, conspiracy, the many unanswered questions till date, the many issues that were shrouded in secrecy, and so on. The girls were the people who suffered for all of that. The government mishandled it.


So, one could imagine the fear and agony when the news of another mass kidnapping broke last Saturday. It was devastating. And to say we were still recovering from the massacre of 43 farmers in Zabambari, who were slaughtered by boko haram. That was shattering.


On Thursday afternoon, I was quick to spread the "good news" of the release of the boys immediately I got that from my publisher, one I always trust and rely on his sources and news. I was overexcited, knowing what evil must have passed over the boys if the news were to be true. Unfortunately, my celebration was cut short will another news of rebuttal by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, from whose Twitter handle many got the news also. She claimed her account was hacked. I had to forward that rebuttal as well to all the platforms I earlier shared the "good news". My heart was broken into pieces.


As if that was not enough, many of my friends on social media who saw my first post were very quick to criticise me for spreading "fake news" even if it was good. That actually came from our history. Many of them, as I often wrote in the past, are either APC members, "Buharists" (loyalists and supporters of President Buhari) or those who have sympathy for him and the current administration. So, it was an opportunity to hit back at me as they have always seen me as an "enemy" because of my critical analysis of this administration's performances in the past few years.


I took responsibility for my post with the explanation that fell more on deaf ears. However, as God would have it, the news turned out to be true. My joy was double bound. After confirmation the second time, I had to wait for more visual evidences before posting again. And as a believer in God, I "forgave" my earlier transducers who also tried to justify their actions against me (lol). "Ti a o ba gbagbe oro ana, a o ni reni ba sere (it's in forgiveness that relationships blossom).


All that were really inconsequential to me. The joy that the boys were back overshadowed any misgivings. This is one thing I commend the government under the leadership of President Buhari for and all the efforts put in it by the Katsina state governor. They did very well. Those six days were traumatising to the parents of these kids. I knew because I followed the incident keenly. Katsina was under my jurisdiction while I worked in the north for about 10 years.


I know the Kankara village. I passed there on my way from and to Kano, Dutsinma, Funtua, etc. countless times. I hope people can now understand my attachment. Katsina was naturally a relatively more peaceful state in the north, even at the height of the boko haram attacks. How it became such a hot bed of criminals still baffles me. I don't want to join in different conspiratorial analysis that followed the abduction and release. I am simply happy that the kids are back.


This is similar to what happened in Dapchi nearly three years ago. Abduction and latter released soon after. That still has its scar on us all as one girl, Leah Sharibu is still in captivity, just like over 100 Chibok girls who have not been released till date, in spite of all the government's efforts. It’s true that one of the waves that President Buhari and APC rode to power was that of Chibok girls and general insecurities.


In 2014, #BringBackOurGirls went viral. It became a global movement, triggered by a group with the same name in Nigeria. They were nightmare to Jonathan and his government. The conveners were Dr. Oby Ezekwezili, Ayesha Yesufu and some others. Some people in the present administration were part of the movement. The people in power today, took advantage of the potency of that movement to damage (literally) Jonathan and his government. He was denigrated, called all kinds of names. People were sold their alternative, which included securing the nation, ending boko haram and bringing back all the Chibok girls in record time. But here we are. The chickens have come home to roost.


Not only that boko haram has not been defeated and that many Chibok girls are still in captivity, the general security across the country has collapsed, unlike in the past when boko haram was the biggest security challenge. Now, roads have become death traps as they have been taken over by kidnappers. Farms are killing fields as they have been colonised by bandits. Many communities have become ghost towns since people ran away and abandoned their ancestral homes for fear of being killed. "Iku t'onpa ojugba eni, owe lo npa fun ni" (to be forewarned, is to be foreharmed).


Nowhere is safe now. Nobody feels safe. But, we cannot give up on our country. Emir of Kaura Namoda of Zamfara state escaped by the whimsical on Thursday night, from being killed on Zaira-Funtua road. Eight others in his entourage were not that lucky. They were killed by bandits who attacked their convoy. Another Emir was kidnapped from inside the mosque in Kogi while he went for morning prayer yesterday.


What is really going on? The situation has become hydra-headed. For years, there have been calls for the rejigging of the national security architecture and breathing of fresh air into the leadership of security agencies, but all that fell on deaf ears. The president has the prerogative of appointing and sacking them but he didn't do anything. May be he knows what the rest of Nigerians don't know, because, even the national assembly's call was never heeded.


Then, one wonders who benefits from these insecurities when events that happened this week is considered. On Monday, the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) organised a meeting in Arewa House, Kaduna, to discuss the problem of the insecurities in the north, a welcome development. But what happened? There was an invasion of the venue by arms-bearing thugs and hoodlooms who attacked them, scattered the gathering, broke cars and other facilities, many invitees and dignitaries scampered for safety. Many were wounded. Who sponsored them? What was the motive? How does one explain an attack by "potential" victims of insecurities on the people who tried to profer solutions to their problems? What's really going on?


Why has the federal government not been able to nab the financiers and sponsors of the terrorists and bandits all these years despite having the helicopter view of financial transactions and movements of funds through the CBN and other regulatory agencies? Afterall, it took the CBN only few days to track those accused of financing the #EndSARS peaceful protesters and froze their accounts. Or is it a matter of interests and priorities?


In similar scenario, it took the government of UAE to identify and arrest some sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria. Before, during and after, we did not hear any action from the government of Nigeria, CBN or other agencies. These are concerns among many. How do we move forward from here?


What I believe is missing in all of this is sincerity of purpose. The people saddled with the responsibilities of protecting lives and properties are not completely sincere in their handling of the issue. This is why there are always accusations and allegations of complicity in crimes, corruption in security funding and rebuilding efforts. IDP relief materials were stolen. The insecurity has become a striving industry for many involved.


For the umpteenth time, there is need for sincerity of purpose. The security architecture should be rejig. There should be deployment of technology to enhance the functionality of the security agents. The training of the agents in modern ways of policing and securing the country should be a continous exercise. They should also be provided with modern equipment, arms and amunitions. More personnel should be recruited into different security agencies.


Unfortunately, these measures may still have limitations as to their effectiveness as long as we continue to operate this dysfunctional system of government as we have in the country. Nigeria should be restructured. The much advocated state police, local police and community policing will be consequential dividends of a properly restructured country. We cannot be doing the same thing over and over, but expect different results. That’s insanity. When are we going to be "sane" and do the right things?


In all, all glory be to God for the safe return of the Kankara boys. We urge the government to put similarly intense efforts at rescuing other citizens in captivity of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, including Leah Sharibu, Chibok girls, and the rest.


May God continue to protect us.


God Bless Nigeria.


[email protected]



Share, forward and retweet, as sharing makes love go round!

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